121To John Adams from Joseph Bemis, 11 August 1812 (Adams Papers)
Gentlemen of the town of Canton conven’d last evening in order to make an arrangement for the selection of Gentlemen to join the County convention propos’d to be holden at Dedham, the 17th. inst. 9 OClock AM and at Marshe’s Tavern—Having made the aforesd. selection, it was then suggested after honourable mention of your name and appeared to be the unanimous wish of the assemblage that you be...
122To John Adams from William Bentley, 11 May 1810 (Adams Papers)
I could not refuse myself the pleasure of sending the inclosed view of the Tree in the Endicot Orchard. It is from the pen of a young Female Pupil, belonging to the family in which I live, & from the same person who accompanied me in my journey through Quincy, in the last year; & who was present with me when I took the Grafts of this season, which I sent to you. I add in confirmation, that the...
123To John Adams from William Bentley, 28 September 1810 (Adams Papers)
I have the great pleasure of sending you a portion of the Pears, collected from the Endicott Tree. It is an additional pleasure, that among the increasing demands, Capt E. assures me, that this is the only portion spared from the family, & that I have the direction of it. In Gratitude only are our exclusive faverers rich to us, & this gift I intend as the testimony of my grateful recollection...
124To John Adams from William Bentley, 16 October 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty to express my gratitude to the first of men, by sending another portion of the Endicott pears from the Oldest tree planted by Europeans in our portion of America, & to add two bottles of wine made last year in Salem by Ladies in my Society from the berries of New England. I am with the highest respect / of your public & private character / your devoted Servant MHi :...
125To John Adams from William Bentley, 19 September 1815 (Adams Papers)
Captain John Endicott performed yesterday his promise of the Pears. He observed that they were not quite ripe, but in some of them had made demands, from curiosity, endless. The good old man therefore, at fourscore, took a few in his hand, infact that he might give no notice, travelled to my door, & observed, that he had resolved I should not lose the pleasure of sending them to the President...
126To John Adams from William Bentley, 1 November 1809 (Adams Papers)
I received your Letter of Oct. 26, & am happy, if, in any degree, I have satisfied the curiosity, I excited. It would have been a great pleasure, to have been introduced to Mr Adams at Quincy, but I received every attention due to a Stranger in his absence. I took the earliest notice of your Letter, & offered such evidence of the fact; as I immediately recollected; & to which I could instantly...
127To John Adams from William Bentley, 10 October 1809 (Adams Papers)
Last evening I received with great pleasure your request for an explanation of a note left at Quincy. Having been in the habit for many years of receiving from Mr Endicott a portion of the Endicot Pears, & being desirous to honour the man, who above all others, deserved the name of the Father of New England, I concluded, in passing, I should be accepted, if, in the reverence of my heart, I...
128To John Adams from William Bentley, 11 April 1810 (Adams Papers)
Agreably to your request, I accompanied Capt. John Endicott, senior, above seventy years of age, yesterday to the Pear Tree, & received from the Tree the twigs which I have sent by a careful hand, to be sent directly from Boston to Quincy. Capt Endicott said he had been in two wars for his Country, & to be remembered by Mr Adams, by a respect for his Ancesters, was good to his old age. I trust...
129To John Adams from Aaron Black, 4 June 1811 (Adams Papers)
I trouble you at this time hearing that my Brother Moses Black of Quincy near Bosten is Dead. And being Very Uneasy to know how he Seteled his tempral affairs and what is become of his & my Daughter to Sister Jane. Understanding that he my late Brother lived Conveniant to you, I humbly beg that you may take the trouble of Writing a few Lines in Answer to this Wish all Conveniant Speed Which...
130To John Adams from Elias Boudinot, 17 July 1809 (Adams Papers)
Mrs: Bradford & myself arrived here on friday Evening last—among the principal Objects we had in View in this long Journey, the honor of waiting on Mrs. Adams & your self was one. As the distance is so considerable, and the disappointment would be great, should you be from home, will you be so kind as to drop one a line by the Post, to let us know if you will be at home, the begining of the...
131To John Adams from George Bourne, 22 April 1809 (Adams Papers)
During some time past my time has been devoted to writing the History of Mr. Jefferson’s administration with an historical sketch of the affairs of the Union from the period of the adoption of the Federal Constitution: as the sale of the work in Massachusetts will be considerably enhanced by the Sanction of your name—I have intruded upon your politeness to ask permission to place it at the...
132To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 13 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
From your suggestions, I have attempted and publish’d an Analysis of the Will of Mr Boylston, which its probable you have seen; but how far I have succeeded in meeting your expectations, (that is, as far as I have gone into it—) you can best determine—any hint or amendment from you on the subject, I shall be greatly obliged to you for As your opinions have the force of a Commandment I averr’d...
133To John Adams from Ward Nicholas Boylston, 27 September 1816 (Adams Papers)
Your Kind Letter of the 24th Instant did not reach my hand untill yesterday Though I knew you had a Thousand Talents, I never before disscovered you possessed that of rallery; which however late is of great advantage to me, as daily experience verifies the justice of your closeing observations and produced all the effect you intended, for neither you, or possterity, should hear more from me...
134To John Adams from William Campbell, 12 August 1809 (Adams Papers)
Have I mistaken your political principles or have I rightly understood them as being truly federal upon the Basis of our Constitution and the government of our own choice. The People of the United States at the time of choseing their Convention-men for the formation of the Federal Constitution upon which government as been Administered must have had all the zeal of Freemen emancipated from the...
135To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 1 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your very polite & friendly favour of the 26th. ult. I duly recd. It is before me, & demand my thanks. I enclose the extracts from John Marston’s Communications, which I have had copied for the new Edition. Agreeably to your directions, I send by this day’s Mail, a copy of the Naval History, & shall send two more by the succeeding mails. Accept the assurances of very sincere respect from /...
136To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 5 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 29th. ult. which I recd yesterday, distressed me. I cannot, however, allow myself to believe for a single moment that you anticipated such a consequence. It appears to imply that for the sake of disposing of a few more copies of the Naval History, I had departed from your instructions; & sent states that instead of one per every mail, I had sent two or three. Were I capable...
137To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 12 July 1815 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 28th. ult—is duly recd I believe there is not a copy of the first Volume of the Defence, to be had in the United States, for Sale. This work, revised & corrected, would, I believe, at a future day, bear a small Edition. It is a pity itshould be out of the market I am, very respectfully, / Your obt. hble. servt MHi : Adams Papers.
138To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 18 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
By last Mail, I sent you a copy of the new Edition, & I now send you two, of which I request your acceptance. I hope this Edition will meet with as much approbation from you, as the former. It has cost the editor much pains & trouble. If it answers no other purpose, it will be of considerable service to future historians. Your obt. hble servt MHi : Adams Papers.
139To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 31 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have recd your favour of the 20th and should have before now sent you a copy of the Olive Branch; but the first Edition is so very imperfect, having been very much hurried in the execution, that I determined to wait till the second is ready. This will probably be about the middle of next week. Mean while I send you by this opportunity such part of the new one as is ready. You may from thence...
140To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 15 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
I recd from my venerable & respected friend, Dr Rush, sundry communications from you , forwarded by you for the use of the author of the Naval History, which I have just published. I now return them with thanks. A mistake of the post office prevented the first of them coming early enough to answer the purpose. I request your acceptance of a copy of the work, which I send herewith. Any As it...
141To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 19 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
Dr James Rush, yesterday, put into my hands your letter of the 30th. ult. which came too late to answer the purpose intended. As I propose to publish in one time a new Edition of the Naval History, I shall, if you judge proper, retain this communication; or otherwise return it to you. I remain, with sincere respect, / your obt. hble Servt MHi : Adams Papers.
142To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 6 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of the 1st. which I recd yesterday, is before me. I observe its contents. While I sympathize with you in the domestic afflictions which produced the chasm in our correspondence, I must needs observe that your letter gave me sincere pleasure. I was seriously apprehensive that I had inadvertently, in some of my letters, given you offence. I most perfectly accord with you on the...
143To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 28 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
Absence from home, & want of Leisure, have prevented me returning an earlier answer to your very kind & friendly letter of the 9th. inst. Should any such intermission occur at any time hereafter I rely upon your goodness to ascribe it to the real cause, my being borne down by the pressure of business. It is highly gratifying to find that notwithstanding the various disadvantageous...
144To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 14 June 1815 (Adams Papers)
It is a long period since I have been favoured with a line from you—which I much regret. A Continuation of the Correspondence wd. have afforded me high gratification. I enclose two half parts of the different Editions of the Olive Branch, wherein I have borne my testimony in favour of your valuable, but much abused work. I remain, respectfully, / Your obt. hble. Servt MHi : Adams Papers.
145To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 3 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
Agreeably to Your instructions, I have forwarded three copies of the Naval History. I have likewise taken the liberty to forward you several Copies of a Circular, requesting nautical Communications, which, if you judge it proper, I request you will be have conveyed to suitable persons. I hope the second Edition of the Naval History will be found not unworthy of the public patronage. It will be...
146To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 6 August 1813 (Adams Papers)
I enclose a letter for Mr Marston, by his request—& likewise some papers, recd. some months since, under an injunction that they should not leave my house. I return them, in order to ascertain whether it be agreeable to you to have them delivered to Mr Clarke, which, without your permission, it wd. be improper to do. I remain, very respectfully, / your obt. hble. servt MHi : Adams Papers.
147To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 26 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
By this day’s mail I forward you a Set of the Naval History, which I request You will place in your library, as a mark of respect & esteem from / Your obt. hble servt. I send a Copy for Capt Marston P.S. I have much alarmed myself respecting the probability of a separation of the states. My friends generally are tranquil on the subject. This does not allay my fears. Will you be so good to...
148To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 21 May 1813 (Adams Papers)
The enclosed art is, I find, in the Appendix to the Naval History. I therefore return it, & am, / respectfully, / Your obt. hble Servt MHi : Adams Papers.
149To John Adams from Mathew Carey, 20 July 1813 (Adams Papers)
Your favours of the 3d. 5th. 7th. & 8th are before me, & call for a renewal of my acknowledgments for the warm interest your public spirit has led you to take in the Success of the Naval History. I enclose two papers, which you wished to be returned. I am unacquainted with the Situation or native Country, or any other of the circumstances of Mr Prince. He called at my Store & made me the offer...
150To John Adams from John M. Carter, 1 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
We take the liberty to send you by mail a copy of Arator, written by Col. John Taylor of Caroline Va.—We do this from having been lately favored by him with an extract from a letter of yours to him concerning this treatise on Agriculture, in which you express a desire to purchase the book but know not where to apply for it—This is the only copy we have unsold from a large edition as you will...
151To John Adams from John M. Carter, 28 March 1814 (Adams Papers)
The Hon. Mr. Adams will herewith receive a volume of Col. Taylor’s Enquiry &c. on the Government of the United States—a Bill of which will be forwarded to you when a copy of the 2d Edition of Arator is sent on. — which will not be out for some weeks — The firm of J. M. & J. B. Carter, being dissolved, the business of the concern is left for settlement in the hands of Sir, / Most respectfully /...
152To John Adams from John M. Carter, 24 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
I send you with this letter a copy of the 2d. edition of Arator, neatly bound, together with a Bill for the two other books I sent you & this; and as I shall not have an opportunity very speedily shortly to receive payment thro’ any agent in Boston, you will be pleased to avail your own convenience to make payment—either through any representative in Congress from your State, or otherwise.— I...
153To John Adams from Henry Channing, 14 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
Under the recollection of the very great pleasure I enjoyed, last Friday, in having an opportunity once more to see & hear one of the few surviving Fathers of our country and the glorious revolution of ‘76; I cannot refrain from taking my pen, to congratulate you on the tidings of an honourable treaty of peace with Britain, which are announced by an arrival at N. York. When the tidings with...
154To John Adams from Robert Clark, 23 March 1809 (Adams Papers)
Seeing a letter this morning in the Chronicle (a paper which has universally been calumniateing your Carecter both public and private) with your signature too it disapproveing of what is called Mr Gores War report and as the Chronicle says disapproveing of Mr Gore in toto, I avail my self of the preveledge of one of your Children and an infant too and one who since he has been able to list has...
155To John Adams from Thomas Clark, 17 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have taken the liberty to forward to you a Copy of the Naval history of the U.S. Your kindness & zealous exertions have excited in me a sincere gratitude. Of our naval history, as well as of our naval establishment, you have been the first patron, & most active promoter. Enclosed are some of the proposals for the publication of my long contemplated history of the United States. Your...
156To John Adams from Thomas Clark, 3 February 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have received your kind letter of the 25th. January. I am pleased that my undertaking has met your approbation, & sincerely thank you for your patronage. I lament your indisposition, & hope it may be of short duration. You mentioned Mr. Trumbull’s general history of the U.S. It is a very good compend, but not more. The only volume yet published commences with the discovery of America & ends...
157To John Adams from Henry Codman, 6 December 1814 (Adams Papers)
George has just called for the Discourses on Devila. I am ashamed of having kept this book so long. The true reason is, that whenever I have taken it up, I have always thought that it would in its present state be so invaluable to any one who respected and reverenced its Author, that I could not think of the binder’s paring it without serious regret, and as you did not seem to value the notes,...
158To John Adams from Alexander Coffin, Jr., 4 July 1814 (Adams Papers)
Be pleas’d to accept the inclosed little Poem, presented by the Author, as a small testimonial, of the respect He has for you, and to whom he has taken the liberty to make the dedication;—The Poem you will perceive attempt to celibrate an important & glorious event of the Revolution. In fact it my Justly be call’d the opening scene of the Drama. I will now Sir, make a Poets apology for the...
159To John Adams from Henry Colman, 11 January 1814 (Adams Papers)
I have made repeated appointments and attempts to visit you, since you did us the favour of your company; but my professional and parochial duties, which have been much increased of late, have confined me entirely at home for the last two months.—I avail myself however of this opportunity to forward you the third volume of Search’s Light of Nature, persuaded that his chapter entitled, “The...
160To John Adams from Henry Colman, 20 February 1817 (Adams Papers)
I fear you must have thought me inattentive to your request that I would ascertain the requisitions for admission into the Sophomore and Junior Classes at Harvard University;—I immediately procured a copy of the College Laws, expecting to find the course of Studies prescribed in them but was disappointed; I then applied to Mr A. Norton and Prof. Ware on the subject, and from the former...
161To John Adams from Henry Colman, 1 January 1817 (Adams Papers)
You know my vanity and therefore are probably surprized that I have not before this transmitted you a journal of my travels; now do not condemn me too soon nor at any rate too severely but let it mitigate my sentence to recollect that Mrs. Adams herself invited this freedom and that I avail myself of the honor and kindness of that permission. I shall always consider myself, my dear Sir, under...
162To John Adams from Henry Colman, 21 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
I intend to begin my journey on monday next and as my object is not less to see men than things, may I avail myself, of your kind offer of letters to Mr King and Mr Jay. Mr Jay lives a little off the stage road between New Haven and New York and I shall very willingly go out of my way to find him. May I likewise ask the favour of Mrs. A’s letter to Mrs Rush, since it will be interesting to me...
163To John Adams from Henry Colman, 12 March 1813 (Adams Papers)
I have a brother, who wishes to obtain a commission in the army of the United States. He has forwarded to me an application to the War-Office, which I wished to accompany with a letter of my own in his behalf to the President; but as I am wholly unknown to the government, I take the liberty to ask from you a line to them, stating merely your belief in my veracity. If you should find it in your...
164To John Adams from Henry Colman, 5 October 1813 (Adams Papers)
I rely upon your candour to forgive my taking your time and your patience, while I thank you for the many and great advantages which I have derived from your letters to this city. I find Mr Vaughan one of the most active beings that I have ever met with, full of good sense, intelligence and enlivening anecdote, and ready and disposed to minister in every possible way to my ease and...
165To John Adams from William Cranch, 23 February 1815 (Adams Papers)
I congratulate you on the news of Peace; and thank God that you and my most excellent Aunt have lived to see this happy day. Although we have suffer’d much we have gain’d wisdom; and, I hope, honour. Our Country has learnt the value of a navy, and the imbecility of commercial restrictions as a measure of coercion. The embarrassments of the Administration have taught them the inexpediency of...
166To John Adams from William Cranch, 3 September 1813 (Adams Papers)
I beg you to be assured, my ever honourd & venerated Uncle, that we sympathize most sincerely with you in your late affliction. But while one friend after another drops around you, I know you have all the consolations which Philosophy and Religion can afford; and how inexhaustible are they !— My dear Aunt, I know, will rouse all the energies of her great and noble mind to sustain the shock....
167To John Adams from William Cranch, 15 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
Upon the representations of Mr. Quincy, I made, through him, to Mr. Elwyn, the agent of Lewis Brotherson Verchild, an offer of 2000 Dollars for the title of the Verchilds to that part of the estate which was holden by my father. He has declined accepting it, and I am not sorry, because I am satisfied, that the claim of the Verchilds is good for nothing. I understand that Lewis B. Verchild...
168To John Adams from William Cranch, 22 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
I received your very kind and flattering letter of 1st. ulto.—On the morning before I received it I settled an account with Mr. Gales who is my tenant, and in doing so ask’d him if anything was due from you to charge it to my account. He look’d at his books and told me that somebody had paid for you in advance and that nothing was due. However, after receiving your letter I wrote him a note...
169To John Adams from William Cranch, 8 March 1812 (Adams Papers)
Mr Norton paid me five dollars for your subscription to the National Intelligencer. As I am entirely out of the secrets of all departments of the Government, and of every political party, I can give you no political news. For myself, I think the nation would disgrace itself if it did not now provide the means for carrying into effect the system it has adopted. I am therefore not sorry to find...
170To John Adams from Cresswell and Addams, 24 December 1816 (Adams Papers)
We have the Honor of your Excellency’s Letter of the 16th. Instant wherein You inform us that you have received Authority from the Secretary of State of the United States to adjust and settle our Accounts for Services authorized by the late Genl. Lyman on the public Account of the United States. We beg to make our best acknowledgments for the Trouble and Interest your Excellency has taken in...